The effect of curcumin on postpartum depression and anxiety in primiparous women: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Postpartum depression and anxiety are common problems in primiparous women, which can negatively affect Maternal-infant bonding and lead to sexual disorders. It's important to prevent and treat these issues, especially since medication options during breastfeeding may be limited. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin, a natural substance known for its beneficial properties, on postpartum depression and anxiety in primiparous women. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 96 primiparous women in Tabriz City. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 48) or the control group (n = 48) using the random block method. The intervention group received curcumin capsules with a dose of 500 mg, while the control group received a placebo with the same dose once daily for eight weeks. Data was collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and postpartum-specific Anxiety Scale research short-form (PSAS-RSF) questionnaires. After the intervention, the mean score of depression (mean difference: -2.5; 95% confidence interval: -3.3 to -1.7; P < 0.001) and anxiety (Mean difference: -1.4; 95% confidence interval: -2.1 to -0.7; P < 0.001) in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group. It seems that curcumin can improve the mental health and quality of life of primiparous women postpartum due to its efficacy in reducing postpartum anxiety and depression, easy accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.